Testicular retraction restraints and methods

ABSTRACT

Described are restraints, and methods of using and making the restraints, for restraining a man&#39;s testicular retraction response to sexual stimulation. It is believed that the restraints and methods of use thereby tend to slow or postpone the onset of the man&#39;s climax, with the potential to prolong the pleasure of the man and/or his sexual partner. More particularly, clip restraints and loop restraints are described and illustrated. The clip restraints are configured to grip a portion of the scrotum and to present deflection or obstruction features above the reposed positions of each of the man&#39;s testicles, configured to deflect or obstruct the movement of the testicles toward a retracted position associated with the onset of the man&#39;s sexual climax. Advantageously, clips according to the invention may fold to a narrow thickness, convenient for carrying in a pocket or wallet. Clip members of the restraints may be attracted by magnets, biased by springs, or manually adjusted to a stable gripping position. The loop restraints comprise left-hand and right-hand loops configured to extend around a portion of the scrotum and to define a restraint opening, confining at least a restrained portion of the respective testicle to one side of the restrained opening to limit retraction of the respective testicle through the opening in a direction toward the respective vas deferens.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to male sexual performance and experienceprolonging devices. More particularly, it relates to devices forrestraining retraction of the testicles (“restraints”) during malesexual stimulation, to delay the onset of the male's sexual climax, andto methods of using and making the restraints.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that the testicles retract inwardly towards the abdomenjust prior to or during male sexual climax. Accordingly, male sexualperformance may be enhanced or prolonged by restraining such testicularretraction during intimacy. This may benefit a male who desires toprolong the enjoyment of self-stimulation, a male having otherwise shortsexual duration compared to his partner, or a male and/or his partnerwishing to prolong the enjoyment of sex.

Some existing male anatomy clamping devices may incidentally restraintesticular retraction. However, known devices have shortcomings, such asbeing unduly restrictive of bodily fluid flow into and out of thetesticles and/or penis shaft (many by design), potentially leading todiscomfort or physical harm. In addition, existing devices are oftencumbersome to don and remove.

A need therefore exists for an improved testicular retraction restraint.Preferably, the restraint should be easy to use, durable, comfortable,small, light, inexpensive to manufacture, and reusable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to aspects of the invention, scrotal clip type and loop typetesticular retraction restraints, and methods of making and using them,are provided.

A clip type human testicular retraction restraint according to an aspectof the invention comprises a first clip member configured to be disposedagainst a first area of a man's scrotum between the testicles; a secondclip member configured to be disposed against a second area of thescrotum opposite the first area; and a biasing mechanism configured toproduce a gripping force urging the first and second clip members towardeach other in a gripping direction to grip a portion of the scrotumbetween the first and second areas and to suspend the restraint from thegripped portion of the scrotum. The first and second areas of thescrotum may typically be front and rear areas thereof. When therestraint is worn with the portion of the scrotum gripped between theclip members, the restraint presents a right-hand obstructing featuredisposed between the man's right testicle and abdomen and a left-handobstructing feature disposed between the man's left testicle andabdomen. The clip type restraints are configured to grip an area of thescrotum without gripping or surrounding the vas deferens or any part ofthe testicles themselves, instead restraining the testicles by anobstruction extending obliquely across their path of retraction. Theloop type restraints described further below, in contrast, areconfigured form a loop corresponding to each testicle, to surround (butnot compress or constrict) a portion of the vas deferens and/or aportion of a side of the testicle connected to the vas deferens, todefine an opening through which the entire testicle cannot pass due tothe size and/or shape of the opening.

In an embodiment, the first and second clip members are configured to beinterchangeably disposed against either of the first and second areas.Alternatively, each may be configured only to be disposed against arespective one of the first and second areas. For example, the firstclip member may have a different shape than the second clip member, eachshape being tailored to a respective one of the areas.

In an embodiment, at least one of the clip members includes an uppersection configured to engage the man's penis shaft. Such an uppersection may simply conform to a lower contour of the penis shaft, or itmay include a shaft retention ring extending over at least a portion ofa top side of the man's penis shaft. Such a retention ring may be aclosed loop, requiring insertion of the tip of the penis, or it mayinclude a gap to facilitate lateral donning at the base of the penisshaft.

In an embodiment, the first and second gripping members are connected ata pivotal joint configured to be disposed approximately at a lower endof the restraint when the restraint is worn. The pivotal joint may, forexample, comprise a strip of flexible material or an articulating hinge.Alternatively, where the first and second gripping members are biasedtogether by magnetic attraction, the first and second gripping membersneed not be connected to each other.

In an embodiment, the first clip member may comprise a first grippingsurface configured to be disposed against said first scrotum area, andthe second clip member may comprise a second gripping surface configuredto be disposed against said second scrotum area. An overlapping regionof the first and second gripping surfaces thus defines a gripping area,the size of which may, for example, be in a range from about 2 in² toabout 7 in².

In an embodiment, each of the first and second clip members has athickness in the gripping direction no greater than about ¼ inch.

In an embodiment, the combined thickness of the clip members in thegripping direction is no greater than about ½ inch, however dividedbetween the two.

In an embodiment, a profile of the restraint in a plane normal to thegripping direction may lie within an approximately 3.5-in by 2-inrectangle.

Advantageously, compact dimensions such as the foregoing may permit thedevice to be easily carried, such as in a pocket, wallet, or purse.

In an embodiment, the right-hand obstructing feature comprises at leasta portion of a right side of at least one of the first and second clipmembers that tapers to the right toward an upper end of the right side,and the left-hand obstructing feature comprising at least a portion ofthe left side of at least one of the first and second clip members thattapers to the left toward an upper end of the left side.

In an embodiment, the biasing mechanism comprises a magnet carried by atleast one of the first and second clip members, and a magneticallyattracted component carried by the other clip member. A “magneticallyattracted component” may be, but need not be, another magnet.

An embodiment further comprises an engaging surface of at least one ofthe first and second clip members being configured to resist downwardsliding of the engaging surface against the respective first or secondarea of the man's scrotum. The engaging surface may, for example, becomposed of a high-friction material, or it may comprise one or moresurface ribs oriented generally horizontally when the restraint is worn.Both clip members may comprise such ribs, and the ribs may be configuredto interdigitate when the clip closes to limit its closed thickness.

In a method of manufacturing a clip type restraint according to anaspect of the invention, the elements of any embodiment described abovemay be formed and combined to form the restraint in a suitable manner.Suitable materials may be selected, as described in more detailelsewhere. Where magnetic components are included in the clip members,the magnetic components may be overmolded, hemmed, encased, fastened,adhered, or otherwise appropriately attached.

In a method of restraining human testicular retraction according to anaspect of the invention, using a restraint as in any above describedembodiment, a portion of the man's scrotum generally disposed betweenthe left and right testicles is positioned between the first and secondclip members, and the gripping force is applied to urge the clip memberstogether to grip the portion of the man's scrotum between the clipmembers.

A loop-type human testicular retraction restraint according to an aspectof the invention comprises a left-hand loop defining a left-hand openingthrough which an entire left testicle is unable to pass, and aright-hand loop defining a right-hand opening through which an entireright testicle is unable to pass. The left-hand loop is configured to beworn around a left-hand section of a scrotum with the left-hand openingdisposed between at least a restrained portion of a left testicle and atleast a portion of a corresponding left vas deferens, thus restrainingpassage of the restrained portion of the left testicle through theleft-hand opening toward the left vas deferens. Likewise, the right-handloop is configured to be worn around a right-hand section of a man'sscrotum with the right-hand opening disposed between at least arestrained portion of a right testicle and at least a portion of acorresponding right vas deferens, thus restraining passage of therestrained portion of the right testicle through the right-hand openingtoward the right vas deferens.

In an embodiment, the left-hand loop is connected to the right-hand loopto maintain a fixed distance between the left-hand opening and theright-hand opening. That is, the restraint should be stiff enough in thedimension extending between the left-hand and right-hand openings toprevent appreciable reduction of the distance between the openings, evenwhen worn during vigorous intercourse.

In an embodiment, each of the left-hand loop and right-hand loop ismanually openable and closable. For example, each of the left-hand loopand right-hand loop may comprise a flexible member having spaced apartclosure portions manually movable into and away from proximity, theclosure portions being manually attachable to close the respective loopand manually detachable to open the respective loop. Such closureportions may, for example, be snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, ormagnetic couplings. A “magnetic coupling” will be understood to be apair of bodies attracted to each other by a magnetic force, at least oneof which is a magnet.

A method of restraining human testicular retraction, according to anaspect of the invention, uses a loop-type restraint substantially asdescribed above. The method comprises, prior to a man's sexual climax,donning the left-hand loop around the left-hand section of the man'sscrotum, and donning the right-hand loop around the right-hand sectionof the man's scrotum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention, in an open state.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the scrotal clip of FIG. 1, in anopen state.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the scrotal clip of FIG. 1, in aclosed state.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the scrotal clip of FIG. 1, in aclosed state.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention, in an open state.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the scrotal clip of FIG. 5, in anopen state.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the scrotal clip of FIG. 5, in aclosed state.

FIG. 7a is a side elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention, in a closed state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the scrotal clip of FIG. 1, depicted ina manner of wearing the clip, with the scrotum removed to reveal aposition of the clip in relation to the testicles and vas deferens.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the scrotal clip worn in the mannershown in FIG. 8, depicted in relation to a testicle.

FIG. 9a is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 9b is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention, depicted in a manner of wearing the clip, withthe scrotum removed to reveal a position of the clip in relation to thetesticles.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention, depicted in a manner of wearing the clip, withthe scrotum removed to reveal a position of the clip in relation to thetesticles and a cross section of the penis shaft.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention, depicted in a closed state.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of a scrotal clip according to anaspect of the invention, depicted in a closed state.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a laterally gripping scrotal clipaccording to an aspect of the invention, depicted in a partially closedstate.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a spring-biased scrotal clipaccording to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a bending flexion scrotal clipaccording to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of an interdigital locking collarscrotal clip according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a rotated, truncated side view of a self-locking screwadjustment scrotal clip according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a scrotal loop restraint according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the scrotal loop restraint of FIG. 22,illustrating part of a method of donning the restraint.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the scrotal loop restraint of FIG. 22 in adonned state.

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the scrotal loop restraint of FIG.22 in a donned state.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a scrotal loop restraint according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of a scrotal loop restraint according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a scrotal loop restraint according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of a scrotal loop restraint according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of a scrotal loop restraint according to anaspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described in this section and illustrated in the accompanying drawingsare exemplary embodiments of testicular retraction restraint accordingto aspects of the invention. The restraints are illustrated in someembodiments as scrotum-gripping clips with left-hand and right-handfeatures configured to deflect or obstruct retracting movement of thetesticles. The clips apply direct pressure to grip and frictionallyadhere to a central region of the scrotum, without gripping orsurrounding any portion of a testicle or vas deferens. In otherembodiments, the restraints are illustrated as closable loop restraints.The loop restraints comprise a pair of loops, each loop having a flap orflaps fastened to surround a portion of the scrotum disposed between therespective testicle (or its widest section) and the abdomen. An inneredge of the loop, defining an opening, is sized and/or shaped to blockpassage of the testicle, or at least a restrained portion of thetesticle, from passing through the opening in the direction of theretraction response to sexual stimulation, that is, a directiongenerally following the vas deferens medially and/or upwardly into theabdomen.

Scrotal Clip Embodiments

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, 8, and 9, scrotal clip 10 comprises anintegral body including a first clip member 12 and a second clip member14 movably connected to first clip member 12 at a connecting portion 16.First and second clip members 12, 14 include respective free ends 18, 20distant from connecting portion 16. A biasing mechanism 22, illustratedfor scrotal clip 10 as mutually attracted magnetic elements 24, 26retained in respective clip members 12, 14, is configured to drawopposed first and second gripping faces 28, 30 of first and second clipmembers 12, 14 towards each other to produce a gripping force Ftherebetween. Magnetic elements 24, 26 are depicted as laterallyelongate strips positioned near respective free ends 18, 20, but otherconfigurations are possible within the scope of the invention, such asin a clip 11 described below. Clip 10 is thus configured to grip aportion of the scrotum between the testicles T, as best seen in FIG. 8.The gripped area of the scrotum lies approximately in a frontal plane FPbisecting each testicle T.

A clip 11 depicted in FIGS. 5-7 is similar to clip 10, with the additionof a respective plurality of magnetic elements 25, 27 arranged near therespective side edges of clip members 12, 14, to provide a moreuniformly distributed gripping force.

A clip 13 depicted in FIG. 7a is also similar to clip 10, with theopposed surfaces of its respective clip members 15, 17 including aslip-resistant feature, illustrated as horizontally aligned grippingribs 19. Ribs 19 may be configured to interdigitate when clip 13 isfolded, rather than meeting peak-to-peak, to minimize a folded thicknessof clip 13. In lieu of gripping ribs, the opposed surfaces of clipmembers according to the invention may instead be composed of ahigh-friction material, with the same object of enhancing the resistanceof the clip to downward slippage in use.

When clip 10 is worn in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a leftside edge 32 and a right side edge 34 of clip 10 each exhibit an outwardtaper in an upward direction toward the male's abdomen. The outwardtaper of left side edge 32 and right side edge 34 results in a cammingor wedging profile that tends to deflect the testicles T laterallyoutwardly as they are drawn upwardly in directions R by the male'ssexual response, while at the same time avoiding the pinching of vasdeferens VD. It is believed that restraining movement of the testiclesto or toward a fully retracted position in the groin or abdomen in thismanner tends to delay the male's climax and prolong his sexualendurance. This in turn improves his enjoyment of self-stimulation orsex as well as prolonging his partner's sexual pleasure and increasinghis partner's likelihood of reaching climax.

A left side edge and right side edge of a clip according to theinvention may each be defined by aligned, overlapping lateral portionsof each of two congruently shaped clip members, as in clip 10. Inanother embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9a , a left side edge 32′ of clip10′ comprises only a portion of a first clip member 12′, and a rightside edge 34′ of a clip 10′ (shown in dashed lines indicating a foldedposition of a second clip member 14′) comprises only a portion of asecond clip member 14′, so that each clip member 12′, 14′ serves todeflect only the respective right or left testicle. In still anotherembodiment of a clip 10″ illustrated in FIG. 9b , a first clip member12″ defines both side edges 32″, 34″, and neither side edge 32″, 34″comprises any portion of a second clip member 14″.

The respective tapers of a left side edge and right side edge of atesticular retraction restraint according to the invention can becharacterized in part by distances between a restraint axis (that is, anaxis of the restraint configured to approximately align vertically witha midplane MP of the scrotum when worn, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9)and certain points on the respective edge, such as the nearest andfarthest points from the axis on the respective edge (or on an operativeportion of the respective edge that is configured to engage the testicleto deflect, limit, or restrain its retracting movement). For example,with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, clip 10 exhibits a taper in which aleft side edge lower endpoint 36 lies at a transverse distance D_(L1)from a clip axis 38, a left side edge upper endpoint 40 lies at atransverse distance D_(L2) from clip axis 38, a right side edge lowerendpoint 42 lies at a transverse distance D_(R1) from clip axis 38, anda right side edge upper endpoint 44 lies at a transverse distance D_(R2)from clip axis 38. It will be understood that the “upper endpoint” and“lower endpoint” of an operative portion of a side edge of a restraintaccording to the invention need not correspond to an uppermost portionof the restraint itself, or even of the entire side edge, but only ofthe operative portion referred to thereof, although any portion of therestraint that extends above the side edge upper endpoints should notimpede placement of the restraint so that the upper endpoints arepositioned above the testicles in partially retracted or un-retractedrepose. Likewise, a “lower endpoint” of a side edge need not correspondto a narrowest point, nor an “upper endpoint” to a widest point of theoperative portion.

The profile of clips 10, 10′, 10″ is illustrated as symmetrical orapproximately symmetrical about midplane MP when worn (for example,symmetrical within about +/−0.1 in.), such that D_(L1) and D_(R1) are atleast approximately equal, and D_(L2) and D_(R2) are at leastapproximately equal. In one embodiment, D_(L1) and D_(R1) are about 0.65in., while D_(L2) and D_(R2) are about 1.2 in, and the respective leftand right side edges 32, 34 follow a gentle curved path between theirrespective endpoints, having a minor (such as a minimum or localminimum) radius of curvature at respective saddle points 46 and 48,which may, for example, be shaped to approximately accommodate thecurvature of each testicle. For a typical or average male anatomy, thisprofile shape of clips 10, 10′, 10″ is believed to be effective torestrain the retracting movement of the testicles as they are pulledgenerally upward towards the abdomen by a muscle response stimulated bythe male's impending sexual climax, so as to prevent a positioning ofeither testicle that would otherwise tend to trigger an immediate oraccelerated climax, or contribute to its onset. In the case of clip 10,the desired effect is achieved at least in part by upper endpoints 40,44 lying at a sufficient distance from axis 38 to impede theirretracting movement. At the same time, the positions of lower endpoints36, 42 allowing for the testicles to repose in comfortable proximity toeach other, when not retracted, or when retracted only partially to theextent permitted by clip 10.

Clips 10, 10′, 10″ described above include differently shaped clipmembers, but exhibit the same frontal profile shape in a closed,gripping position. Other embodiments of a restraint according to theinvention may have significantly different frontal profile shapes. Forexample, a restraint may be configured to exhibit an asymmetricalprofile about midplane MP, for example, as in a clip 50 depicted in FIG.10, wherein distances D_(L2), D_(R2) of a respective upper left sideedge endpoint 52 and upper right side edge endpoint 54 from midplane MPare unequal. Such an asymmetrical shape may advantageously accommodate amale's anatomical asymmetry, such as when a left testicle T_(L) and aright testicle T_(R) are of different sizes and/or shapes or tend torepose in or retract to different positions, or when other constraintson the movement of the testicles toward or into the groin or abdominalcavity from the scrotum, such as the shape of neighboring anatomicalstructures or other physiological factors, have an overall asymmetricaleffect.

Still other alternative restraint profile shapes are illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12. A clip 56 shown in FIG. 11 in a closed positionincludes a concave curved upper edge 58 to conform to a lower portion ofa penis shaft S. A magnetic element 60 of clip 56 may optionally becurved to conform to curved upper edge 58.

Another clip 62 shown in FIG. 12 includes T-shaped clip members 64 a, 64b with respective thin horizontal segments 66 a, 66 b and thin verticalsegments 68 a, 68 b, respective elongate magnetic elements 69 a, 69 b,and respective round magnetic elements 71 a, 71 b. The thin aspect ofvertical segments 68 a, 68 b may advantageously minimize impingement onthe testicles in repose or in a partially retracted state. On the otherhand, drawbacks of thin vertical segments 68 a, 68 b may include reducedfrictional retention of the restraint in a desired position when wornand/or reduced structural integrity, potentially leading to stressconcentrations and stretching or tearing. Clip 62 may also be lesseffective at delaying male sexual climax than another clip typerestraint, such as clip 10, 10′, 10″, 11, 13, 50, or 56, whose taperedregion is configured to deflect a retracting movement of the testiclesat a lower position, thus corresponding to an earlier stage of sexualresponse.

Illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 are two alternative two-piece embodimentsof a testicular retraction restraining clip according to the invention.A clip 70 shown in FIG. 13 includes clip members 72 a, 72 b that arefully separate and configured to be drawn together by the attraction ofrespective elongate magnetic elements 74 a, 74 b and respective roundmagnetic elements 75 a, 75 b. Clip members 72 a, 72 b include respectivetapered side edges 76 a, 76 b and 78 a, 78 b, which are similar to anupper portion of tapered side edges 32, 34 of clip 10, whereas a lowerportion of each clip member is omitted. The resulting material savingsare a cost benefit permitted by a two-piece clip obviating the need forclip members 72 a, 72 b to extend to a connecting portion configured tobe positioned below the scrotum. Shown in FIG. 14 is a still furtherreduced embodiment of the invention as a two-piece clip 80, includingseparate elongate clip members 82 a, 82 b drawn together by respectivemagnets 84 a, 84 b. A trade-off of the two-piece clips shown in FIGS. 13and 14 is that the lack of a connecting portion may make aligning themembers at the front and rear sides of the scrotum more cumbersome, aswell as likely precluding one-handed application of either of clips 70,80.

Illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 are two more alternative embodiments ofthe invention configured with penis shaft retention features, which mayhelp to anchor and stabilize the clip members. Accordingly, a clip 86shown in FIG. 15 includes a closed loop shaft retention ring 88configured to slide over the tip of the penis shaft to its base, while aclip 90 shown in FIG. 16 includes an open-loop shaft retention ring 92having left and right flexible elastic curved members 94, 96, which aresufficiently elastic to be pulled apart around the base of a penis shaftand to return to their relaxed positions to retain the penis shaft oncereleased. It will be understood that neither closed loop retention ring88 of clip 86 nor open loop retention ring 92 of clip 90 need applytight pressure, such as would constrict fluid flow. However, should suchconstriction be desired in addition to restraining testicularretraction, either of rings 88, 92 may be made with the appropriate sizeand elasticity to achieve it.

Depicted in FIG. 17 is yet another embodiment of the invention as a clip98 that is configured to close laterally, gripping a portion of thescrotum approximately at a midplane thereof. While midplane applicationof clip 98 may be more awkward than the frontal plane application of theclips described above, a benefit is that accidentally pinching orconstricting the vas deferens of either testicle would be nearlyimpossible.

In addition, biasing elements other than magnets may be used within thescope of the invention to draw a pair of appropriately sized and shapedclip members together. For example, an alternative category of biasingmechanisms within the scope of the invention includes those configuredto transmit a gripping force through a mechanical load path bypassingthe male's scrotal tissue, such as below the scrotum at the approximatelocation of connecting portion 16 of clip 10 when worn, instead of bydirecting a magnetic field through the scrotum. Absent magneticattraction, it will be understood that the gripping members of arestraint would require a certain degree of bending resistance(stiffness) to effectively transmit a mechanical gripping force to agripped area of the scrotum held between them.

A mechanical gripping force may be produced by a biasing element orapplied manually in conjunction with locking or restraining the relativepositions of the clip members. For example, a separate pivotal or linearspring component may connect the two clip members and be configured tobe disposed below the scrotum, as in a clip 100 shown in FIG. 18(pivotal spring illustrated). An alternative biasing element maycomprise one or both clip members themselves, or an elastically bendingportion thereof, as in a bending flexion clip 102 whose clip members areconfigured to flex under a manually applied bending moment M,distributing a bending strain along a length of each member, and returnto a relaxed or preloaded gripping state when moment M is released, asshown in FIG. 19. If the gripping force is instead manually applied, asuitable locking (or restraining) mechanism could be an interdigitalcollar, as in a clip 104 shown in FIG. 20, a frictional or interdigitalsliding joint (not shown), or a self-locking screw adjustment mechanism,as in a clip 106 (truncated) shown in FIG. 21. In still anotherembodiment not shown, the clip members may be connected by a plasticallydeformable joint, such as one or more bendable stiff wires, which tendsto resist deformation, but once deformed, to retain its deformed stateand resist further deformation, including return to its initial state.In each case, as for the one-piece magnetic gripping embodimentsdescribed in more detail above, mechanical connections between the clipmembers are preferably configured to be located below the scrotum, so asto avoid the need for opposed portions of the restraint to straddle thevas deferens, possibly resulting in pinching thereof, or requiring abuilt-in clearance to avoid pinching.

A variety of materials may be suitable for constructing testicularretraction restraint clips according to the invention. For example, clipmembers and connecting portions may be formed from a polymer (e.g.,silicone or other suitable elastomer), leather, lightweight metal, wood,or fabric material, or any other material that can be comfortably heldagainst the skin of the scrotum and can be used to form a clip ofappropriate dimensions that is sufficiently durable and lightweight.Each coordinating pair of magnetic elements may include two magnets orone magnet and a corresponding magnetically attracted body. Suitablemagnets include rare-earth magnets, whose high strength and lightdensity render them advantageous for a restraint that must grip tightlyenough to produce sufficient traction against the scrotum tofrictionally support its own weight suspended therefrom. Magneticelements according to the invention may be retained in their respectiveclip members by any suitable means, such as over-molding (in the case ofpolymeric clip members), adhesive bonding, or hemming/stitching.

Loop Restraint Embodiments

With reference to FIGS. 22-30, embodiments of the invention as a looprestraint will now be described in detail. The illustrated looprestraints comprise a broad and thin body of flexible material having aleft side and a right side, each side including a respective closureconfigured to removably attach two spaced-apart attachment portions ofthe respective side. Illustrated examples of the attachment portionsinclude magnetic connectors and snaps. Hook-and-loop fasteners (such asVelcro® hook-and-loop fasteners) may alternatively be employed. When theattachment portions come together, the respective side of the looprestraint body forms a restraining loop defining a restraining openingsized and shaped to prevent passage of a testicle through therestraining opening. More particularly, when the restraint is worn, eachtesticle should be confined to a generally lateral and/or lower side ofits respective restraining opening, thus limiting generally medialand/or upward retracting movement of the respective testicle toward themale's abdominal cavity. The restraining opening preferably has an areasized and/or shaped to prevent the testicle from passing fully throughthe opening, regardless of whether the testicle is stationary or ingyrating motion typical of sexual intercourse, or whether the male'stesticular retraction response to sexual stimulation or impending climaxis engaged or triggered.

Turning to FIGS. 22-25, a loop restraint embodiment of the invention isillustrated as a loop restraint 108 having a broad and thin flexiblebody 109 with a left side 110, a front side 112, a right side 114, arear side 116, an inner face 117, and an outer face 119. Each side110-116 of body 109 has a predominantly concave contour, so that a minorwidth w (which may, for example, be a minimum or local minimum width) ofbody 109 occurs generally at a lateral midsection 118 thereof, and so asto define outwardly flared flaps at each corner where adjacent sidesmeet, namely, a front-left flap 120, a front-right flap 122, arear-right flap 124, and a rear-left flap 126. A major width W (whichmay, for example, be a maximum or local maximum width) occurs generallyat lateral extremes of front flaps 120, 122, as depicted in FIG. 22,and/or of rear flaps 124, 126. In this regard, it is to be understoodthat, while the profile of body 109 is typically symmetrical about ananteroposterior longitudinal axis, except in customized or alternativeforms to accommodate varying degrees of anatomical asymmetry observed inthe male population, front-to-rear asymmetry may be standard in a looprestraint according to the invention, as so that a major width of afront portion of a given restraint may be significantly different fromthat of a rear portion thereof, as seen in the variations of looprestraint embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 26-30.) Similarly, a minorlength l of body 109 occurs generally at a longitudinal midsection 121thereof, while a major length L of body 109 occurs generally atlongitudinal extremes of left flaps 120, 126, as depicted in FIG. 22,and/or of right flaps 122, 124. Longitudinal midsection 121 may also bereferred to as a “connecting portion” of body 109, which joins aleft-hand loop, comprising left flaps 120, 126 and a band of materialextending between them along left side 110, to a right-hand loop,comprising right flaps 122, 124 and a band of material extending betweenthem along right side 114. This connecting region plays a significantrole in maintaining a separation distance between testicles T, asdescribed in more detail below.

Each flap bears a corresponding snap, namely, a front-left female snap128, a front-right female snap 130, a rear-right male snap 132, and arear-left male snap 134. It is to be understood that the positions ofmale and female snaps on either or both sides of a loop restraintaccording to the invention may be reversed from front to rear. However,it is preferred that male snaps be disposed on the outer face and femalesnaps on the inner face. While it is possible to provide both snaps onthe same face, snapping inner faces together would increase thelikelihood of pinching skin in the snap, while snapping outer facestogether would position a tail portion of each flap inside the loop,potentially applying uncomfortable uneven pressure on a testicle withinthe loop.

A manner of donning loop restraint 108 is illustrated in FIGS. 23-25.First, midsection 118 is positioned below testicles T, with inner face117 facing upward and left and right sides 110, 114 of restraint body109 aligned with those of penis P. Rear right and left flaps 124, 126are then turned inwardly over the top of testicles T, as shown in FIG.23. Right and left male snaps 132 and 134, disposed on outer face 119 atflaps 124, 126, are thus turned to face up, and the respective femalesnaps 130, 128 are connected thereto by turning the respective frontright and left flaps 122, 120 inwardly over testicles T to align thecorresponding snaps. In this manner, a portion of each of left side 110and right side 114 is formed into a left-hand or right-hand loopdefining a respective left opening 136 and right opening 138, with arestrained portion of the respective testicle T, disposed to alower/lateral side of the opening 136, 138, the opening 136, 138 beingof a size and shape that prevents the passage of at least a major (e.g.,largest and/or widest) cross section D of the restrained portion oftesticle T therethrough in a medial/upward direction toward the male'sabdominal cavity, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25.

With reference to FIG. 24, it will be appreciated that testicles T maybe kept apart from each other by a mediolateral center-to-centerseparation distance d between their respective sections D when looprestraint 108 is worn. Separation distance d may be significantlygreater than a distance by which testicles T would be separated withoutintervention, whether in repose or in a partially or fully retractedstate. Provided sufficient stiffness of body 109 to resist collapse orbending in the mediolateral dimension, which may depend, for example, onits material composition, thickness t (shown in FIG. 25, which maydesirably be no greater than about ¼ in, to fit easily, for example, ina typical wallet or clothing pocket, whether in a collapsed/folded orexpanded/unfolded state), width w, and/or other dimensions, separationdistance d may be maintained by midsection 118 of restraint 108 actingas a spacer between testicles T. Thus, separation distance d may in partbe a function of width w. Inherently, keeping testicles T laterallyspaced apart also keeps either testicle T from retracting into theabdominal cavity. For one, the opening into which each testicle T wouldretract absent intervention is relatively centrally located, so thattesticle T cannot enter the abdomen from a laterally displaced positionimposed by loop restraint 108. In addition, the vas deferens tends toretract ahead of the testicle into the abdomen, and the vas deferens isattached to each testicle T on the medial (inner) side of the respectiveopening 136, 138. Thus, once testicle T abuts the respective lateralside 110, 114 of loop restraint 108 adjacent the respective opening 136,138, neither the vas deferens nor testicle T can continue to retractmedially, though the retraction response may have the effect of raisingtesticles T and loop restraint together vertically until the latterabuts the underside of penis P, as shown in FIG. 25, the shape of whichmay be accommodated by the concave contour of front side 112, best seenin FIG. 22.

Referring to FIGS. 26-30, some of the many possible variations on a looprestraint according to the invention are illustrated, including threedifferent body profile shapes, shown in FIGS. 26-28, and for the bodyprofile shape shown in FIG. 28, three different closure types, shown inFIGS. 28-30.

Turning to FIG. 26, a loop restraint 140 having a body 142 exhibiting afirst profile shape is shown. A minor width w, major front width W1,major rear width W2, minor length l, and major length L of body 142 areindicated. A front-left flap 144 and front-right flap 146 aresignificantly shorter than a rear-right flap 148 and rear-left flap 150of body 142. The extra length of each rear flap 148, 150 can accommodatea plurality of snaps 152. For adjustment to a desired size, a selectedone of snaps 152 may thus be mated with a snap 154 of the correspondingfront flap 146, 144.

Turning to FIG. 27, a loop restraint 156 having a body 158 exhibiting asecond profile shape is shown. A minor width w, major front width W1,major rear width W2, minor length l, and major length L of body 158 areindicated. A front-left flap 160 and front-right flap 162 are closer insize to a rear-right flap 164 and rear-left flap 166 of body 158, sothat loop restraint 156 may have a more compact overall shape than thatof loop restraint 140. Loop restraint 156 is illustrated as single-size,each front flap 160, 162 including a single snap 168 and each rear flap164, 166 including a single snap 170. Alternatively, front and rearflaps of roughly equal length may each include a plurality of snaps,such as two snaps each, which may provide a comparable range ofadjustability to that of loop restraint 140 in a more compact shape.Loop restraint 156 also differs from loop restraint 140 in othercharacteristic dimensions, notably including its significantly widerminor width w, which may promote a wider separation distance d betweentesticles T as described above.

Turning to FIG. 28, a loop restraint 172 having a body 174 exhibiting asecond profile shape is shown. A minor width w, major front width W1,major rear width W2, minor length l, and major length L of body 174 areindicated. As in body 142 of loop restraint 140, a front-left flap 176and front-right flap 178 are significantly shorter than a rear-rightflap 180 and rear-left flap 182 of body 174, the extra length of eachrear flap 180, 182 accommodating a plurality of snaps 184, a selectedone of which may be mated with a snap 186 of the corresponding frontflap 176, 178. Loop restraint 172 also has a proportionally similarminor width w to that of loop restraint 140, but a substantially smallerminor length l, while a greater portion of its major length L iscomprised in the lengths of its flaps, and a lesser portion in thelength of its longitudinal midsection. The relatively small midsectiondimensions l, w and relatively long flaps 176, 178, 180, 182 of looprestraint 172 may permit a greater number and/or wider spacing of snaps184, while also saving material compared to shapes with largermidsection dimensions l, w.

With reference to FIG. 29, a loop restraint 188 is illustrated, whichhas the same body 174 and flaps 176, 178, 180, 182 as loop restraint172, with a hook-and-loop closure system in place of snaps. Each rearflap 180, 182 includes a plurality of loop pile patches 190, a selectedone of which may mate with a hook patch 192 of the corresponding frontflap 178, 176. Loop pile patches 190 may alternatively be a singleelongate loop pile patch, with the benefits of continuous adjustabilityand simplified construction. On the other hand, discrete loop pilepatches 190 provide the benefit of a visual indicator of a discrete sizeadjustment, facilitating the selection of a same (or different) sizeadjustment on each side, or in subsequent uses.

Turning to FIG. 30, a loop restraint 194 is illustrated, which has thesame body 174 and flaps 176, 178, 180, 182 as loop restraint 172, withmagnetic connectors in place of snaps. Each rear flap 180, 182 includesa plurality of magnetic connectors 196, configured for mating a selectedone of magnetic connectors 196 with a magnetic connector 198 of thecorresponding front flap 178, 176. Magnetic connectors 198 arepreferably magnets, while magnetic connectors 196 may be magnets orother magnetically attracted bodies.

Also indicated in FIG. 30 are characteristic angles theta1 offront-right flap 178, and theta2 of rear-right flap 180, relative to alongitudinal axis 200 of body 174. A front flap angle, such as angletheta1, and a rear flap angle, such as angle theta2, are typically thesame for both sides of a loop restraint according to the invention,though sides may differ in custom or alternative models, to accommodatethe anatomical asymmetry of an individual male or varying degrees ofanatomical asymmetry observed in the male population, as notedpreviously. Other desired shape features of loop restraints not labeledin the drawing figures may include a width or range of widths of eachflap, which, though varying along their respective lengths, maydesirably be in a range of about 0.25 in to about 0.75 in for asubstantial portion thereof; a central radius of curvature of a frontside, which may advantageously be selected to conform to the undersideof an erect penis shaft when worn; and a central radius of curvature ofa rear side, which may advantageously be selected to conform to therear/underside of a rear portion of the scrotum when worn.

Many variations on loop restraints according to the invention arepossible within the scope of the invention. For example, instead offlexible flaps detachably connecting to form a loop, each loop may be anelastic band defining an opening of a desired size when in a relaxedstate, and the loop may be stretched open to receive each testicle, andthen released once a section of the testicle has been inserted throughthe loop that will not be able to pass back through the relaxed loop.Whether the loops are elastic or manually closable, a stiff or rigidconnecting member of a different material may be connected between theloops to maintain a desired separation distance between the loops, andthus the testicles. Alternatively, the loops may be manually closablebut formed of two rigid, pivotally connected halves.

A variety of materials may be suitable for constructing loop testicularretraction restraints (“loop restraints” or “loop type restraints”)according to the above-described embodiments or other embodiments of theinvention. For example, the body may be formed from a polymer (e.g.,silicone or other suitable elastomer), leather, fabric material (whichmay be thickened or otherwise reinforced against medial collapse orbending in a lateral midsection, such as by inclusion of anothermaterial), or any other flexible, durable material that can becomfortably held against the skin of the scrotum and can be used to forma closable loop restraint of appropriate dimensions. Closures may besnaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or any other type of closure that may bereadily fastened and opened manually. In embodiments with magneticclosures, each coordinating pair of magnetic elements may include twomagnets or one magnet and a corresponding magnetically attracted body.

Other Variations

While the invention has been described with respect to certainembodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it isto be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes,modifications and rearrangements, and such changes, modifications andrearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A human testicular retraction restraint,comprising a broad and thin body of flexible material having a left-handloop at a left side and a right-hand loop at a right side; each of theleft-hand loop and right-hand loop comprising a flexible member havingspaced apart closure portions manually movable into and away fromproximity, the closure portions being manually attachable to close therespective loop and manually detachable to open the respective loop. 2.The restraint of claim 1, the closure portions being selected from thegroup consisting of snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and magneticcouplings.
 3. A method of restraining human testicular retraction usinga restraint comprising a first clip member operative to be disposedagainst a first area of a man's scrotum between the testicles; a secondclip member operative to be disposed against a second area of thescrotum opposite the first area; a biasing mechanism operative toproduce a gripping force to urge the first and second clip memberstoward each other in a gripping direction to grip a portion of thescrotum between the first and second areas and to suspend the restraintfrom the gripped portion of the scrotum; a right-hand obstructingfeature comprising a rightwardly extending portion of at least one ofthe first clip member and the second clip member; and a left-handobstructing feature comprising leftwardly extending portion of at leastone of the first clip member and the second clip member; the methodcomprising prior to a man's sexual climax, gripping the portion of thescrotum between the clip members such that the right-hand obstructingfeature is disposed between the man's right testicle and abdomen and theleft-hand obstructing feature is disposed between the man's lefttesticle and abdomen.
 4. The method of claim 3, the first and secondclip members being connected at a pivotal joint operative to be disposedapproximately at a lower end of the restraint when the restraint isworn.
 5. The method of claim 4, the pivotal joint comprising a strip offlexible material.
 6. The method of claim 3, the first clip membercomprising a first gripping surface operative to be disposed againstsaid first scrotum area, the second clip member comprising a secondgripping surface operative to be disposed against said second scrotumarea, an overlapping region of the first and second gripping surfacesdefining a gripping area, a size of the gripping area being in a rangefrom about 2 in² to about 7 in².
 7. The method of claim 3, each of thefirst and second clip members having a thickness in the grippingdirection no greater than about ¼ inch.
 8. The method of claim 3, thefirst and second clip members having a combined thickness in thegripping direction no greater than about ½ inch.
 9. The method of claim3, a profile of the restraint in a plane normal to the grippingdirection lying within an approximately 3.5-in by 2-in rectangle. 10.The method of claim 3, the right-hand obstructing feature comprising atleast a portion of a right side of at least one of the first and secondclip members that tapers to the right toward an upper end of the rightside, and the left-hand obstructing feature comprising at least aportion of the left side of at least one of the first and second clipmembers that tapers to the left toward an upper end of the left side.11. The method of claim 3, the biasing mechanism comprising a magnetcarried by at least one of the first and second clip members, and amagnetically attracted component carried by the other clip member. 12.The method of claim 3, further comprising an engaging surface of atleast one of the first and second clip members operative to resistdownward sliding of the engaging surface against the respective first orsecond area of the man's scrotum.